Undergraduate SchoolBachelor of Arts (Summa Cum Laude with Highest Distinction and University Honors), University of Illinois 2004Law SchoolWashington University in St. Louis School of Law (Magna Cum Laude) 2007

Justin C. Steffen is a partner in Ice Miller’s Litigation and Financial Services Practice Groups. Combining over a decade of experience litigating clients’ most important matters with in-depth, technical knowledge, Justin is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the legal and regulatory issues raised by financial and emerging technologies.

A recognized National Law Journal Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, and FinTech Trailblazer and cited authority on virtual currency, lending and FinTech issues, Justin advises clients on a myriad of issues pertaining to artificial intelligence, data science, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), mobile payments, blockchain and cryptocurrency. He is a frequent commentator who has published articles in Law360, Corporate Counsel, FinTech Weekly, Business Insurance Journal and LegalTech News. He has been quoted in a number of leading legal and industry publications, including Coindesk, Law360, Inside Counsel, Financial Advisor and the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.

Justin is also the founder and chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s Financial and Emerging Technologies Committee, an organizer of the Block(Legal) Tech Conference, a member of FinTex’s Legal and Regulatory Committee and a frequent public speaker on the intersection of technology and law.

In addition to his technology practice, he is experienced in all phases of litigation and routinely represents clients in large, “bet-the-company” matters and internal investigations. Recently, he defended a subprime lending subsidiary of a large multinational corporation in a three-week, $1 billion Federal trial.

Before joining Ice Miller, Justin was a partner at an international AmLaw 100 law firm where he co-founded and led his firm’s FinTech and Blockchain Practices. Outside of his practice, Justin teaches FinTech and the Law at Loyola School of Law as an adjunct professor.

He earned his juris doctor, magna cum laude and Order of the Coif, from Washington University School of Law in 2007. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Arts in 2004, summa cum laude and with Highest Distinction and University Honors.

Justin is admitted to practice law in the state of Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois.